As India ages, the relevance of The Mental Healthcare Act will become even more critical, especially for Older People.
The subject of Mental Health has probably not got its due importance, people who have mental imbalances and are unable to get out of the loop are the ones who require maximum support, especially those who are living alone.
Side effects of mental health issues can be serious and if not treated by professionals then it eventually starts becoming like a bad sector of a computer hard disk which cannot be repaired.
Unlike a computer hard disk which can be replaced, the mind is something which cannot be formatted that easily, I guess that's why it's called the Mental Health problem.
Mental health issues if combined with substance use can be a complete downhill combo. As we grow older the chances of taking more medicines also increases, and if people who have a tendency to mix mental health medication with other things, then it's a recipe for disaster.
Dementia and other mind related problems are growing across the globe, which means the social welfare sector will require more advocacy, standards, systems and support frameworks.
The larger point of debate is, the urban areas have access to professional service providers who are doing good work but then what about the semi-urban areas and the rural landscape?
Mental health is an area which is completely dependent upon the person himself or herself, the professionals can only help to a certain extent, but then if a person does not want help then no one can help.
Eldercare sector is growing but then we need to start thinking beyond physical support or support with activities of daily living only. Mental health is becoming a reality and the care staff will gradually need to get more sensitised to handle people who are stuck in a vortex and are unable to express their feelings.
Pankaj Mehrotra
